How To Make Graphic Wall Art

I’ve been deep in the throes of getting a very special room ready for an expectant arrival; baby number three. [editor’s note: Andrea, not me (Nicole)!] I knew I wanted to use a mix of purchased prints and interesting treasures that hold meaning to our family, but I also knew I wanted to add a touch of DIY art to the room. The room is pure white, with white furnishings and bedding, and a touch of linen beige and bright pops of color to add some vibrancy to the space. I’ve had this bright neon artists tape on hand for a few months, and have had visions of creating graphic wall art out of it for some time, I just needed the right space to put it. When we settled on the theme for the nursery, I finally knew just where it had to go. The process is simple, with dramatic results. Here’s the how to.

You just need a few supplies: Picture frames and mattes, kraft paper and scissors, and brightly colored tape. I used artists tape because the colors are so vibrant and the tape easily peels off so you can replace it if you make a mistake in original placement. You could definitely use washi tape as well, although since most washi tape is semi translucent, it won’t have the same vibrant opacity that this tape has.

Simply cut out a square of kraft paper that fits your frame, and then start placing your tape in a haphazard manner so that lines and angles intersect and meet. There’s really no formula here, just whatever looks pleasing to your eye. If you’re using the artist tape, you can easily peel it off and replace it if you don’t like how the design is coming out.

When your design is complete, trim off or tape back the edges, and then tape your design to your matte. Place inside your frame and place it in your favorite spot. The two I made are sitting right on top of the dresser with a few other fun treasures for the baby (seen at the top of the post), and my favorite succulent filled polka dot pot.

LauraC

I’m all for interesting upcycling projects, but this end product looks exactly like what it is: kraft paper with tape on it. I’m kinda tired of these “make art” projects that have an end result that is anything but artistic. Go support your local artists or find someone on etsy if you’re not artsy yourself. There are plenty of budget-friendly options and I think it’s important to expose our children to beautiful things with actual artistic merit.

Hi Allison! Thanks for the comment. When the nursery is complete I’ll send you the link because you’ll see it actually has quite a few handmade artistic touches :) The pillows and even the baby’s quilt are all from handmade artists I found on Etsy, and there are a few prints that I found on 20×200 that will be hung as well. I’m definitely not artistic, but I still wanted to have something that I touched and created on display in my baby’s room, no matter how simple it is. And besides,at 38 weeks pregnant, I can’t quite handle complicated right now. Although simple I can handle just fine :)

I’m sorry for the harsh comment … this project just wasn’t to my taste. I look forward to seeing the whole thing all together as I’m sure it works better in context. Best wishes for you and your little one. Those last couple weeks really are the hardest to wait out, aren’t they?

i love it! i am planning my baby girl’s first birthday party around the theme of neon, including washi tape, and was thinking of toning it down with kraft paper too. this is nice inspiration for diy invitations :) i’m hoping to find some neon lace & trim too to decorate with. i also loved your response to the critical comment. i think it’s awesome that you wanted to put your own touch on some of the decor in the nursery. my little one’s nursery is a mix of etsy purchases, thrifted & vintage finds, etc and i had fun putting a few of my own touches on things too. best wishes!

elizabeth

August 20, 2012 at 7:57 am

I love those Ikea frames. The 11×14 size is great for framing 8×10’s (with the mat), and they are so inexpensive. I have a couple in my living room and I was actually just at Ikea yesterday and I bought 4 more.

[…] tape to create a unique pattern of overlapping lines on a piece of brown kraft paper. Head over to Making It Lovely to find out some tips and tricks about this clever little project. You could make a larger version […]